Cape Town’s iconic First Thursdays event has something in store for everyone – whether it’s art- and design-related, food- and drink-focused, or music events to get down on the dancefloor. These are some of the best events taking place on Thursday, 4 June 2026, to celebrate with friends, family, and strangers.
Late Night Thrift: Winter Wardrobe
Gluhwein, drumming, live music and lots of unique thrift finds both in shops and in pop-ups… Observatory is once again stretching its after-hours energy into something new. The 4 June edition of Late Night Thrift is themed around the Winter Wardrobe — a timely invitation to dig through the rails and find the layers, textures, and cosy staples that Obs’s thrift scene does so well.
Expect shops stocked with their best cold-weather finds, with oversized knits, vintage coats, and the kind of pieces that make dressing for winter feel like less of a chore and more of a discovery. This third instalment once again turns Lower Main Road into a walkable circuit, and the idea is to shop first — make your way through the stores while the rails are full and the night is young — then settle in somewhere for a drink or a bite once you’ve had your fill of the finds.
When: Thursday, 4 June 2026
Where: Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
Get your winter wardrobe with Late Night Thrift
ItsAHouse
One of the Mother City’s biggest House parties, ItsAHouse brings together beloved DJs and fans to form part of the genre’s underground culture. This month, the party is moving to Kloof cocktail bar Batanga for the very first time, with a special guest performing that night alongside ItsAHouse regulars, and Jameson Irish Whiskey on hand for anyone needing a drink.
Cost: From R120 per person. Book now on Quicket.
When: Thursday, 4 June 2026 | 6pm – 12am
Where: 70a Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town
Harringtons
This classic cocktail lounge, restaurant and boutique bar evokes an otherworldly sense of opulence, style and sophistication. With panoramic windows overlooking the bustling nightlife of the East City neighbourhood, the place features lush, inviting décor that takes guests back to a time when disco was alive and drinks were cheap.
THIS MONTH: Bomba CT
Bomba are once again curating this month’s night of throwback remixes and fresh productions. The programme features many up-and-coming DJs alongside local scene veterans, including Down South B2B Jordan Coetzer, Michael Sutton, and Tanner Mason.
Cost: From R60 (Early Bird). Tickets available on TicketBee.
When: Thursday, 4 June 2026 | 8pm – 3am
Where: Harringtons Cocktail Lounge, 61b Harrington Street, Cape Town
Thirsty Thursdays at Kaya Cafe
One of the biggest hotspots for young people in the city, Kaya Cafe is an intimate space with vibey music, trendy drinks, and filling snacks. On First Thursdays, the venue transforms into a vibrant hub for live performances, including acoustic sets, drag king shows, discussions, and captivating karaoke.
This month’s edition is in partnership with the State of the Youth Address (SOYA), a social platform for young South Africans to discuss their concerns and develop actionable solutions to some of the biggest youth-focused issues nationwide.
When: Thursday, 4 June 2026 | 6pm – late
Where: KAYA HQ, 35 Loop Street, Cape Town City Centre
First Thursday at Clay Café in the City
Clay Café in the City is a ceramic painting venue and tapas bar. Enjoy a creative space that strives to teach like-minded adults to be creative, learn new techniques, and just have some fun while exploring, enjoying tapas, and relaxing to relaxing music.
This month’s offering includes a Thirsty Thursday buy-one-get-one-free drinks special, alongside R60 tapas.
Cost: R45 (studio fee) | Book now on Dineplan.
When: First Thursdays (4pm – 10pm)
Where: 199 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre
Chingadas
This vibrant Tex-Mex restaurant thrives on colourful decor, messy eating, and lots of cocktails. The space is made up of many interleading rooms and multiple fireplaces, ensuring the atmosphere is as warm as the food. It’s a relatively new addition to the trendy spots near Kloof Street, distinguishing itself with its family-friendly environment and proudly Mexican identity.
Chingadas is perhaps best known for its build-your-own margarita, with a handy guide that teaches guests how to make the perfect drink. Its food menu is extensive, with traditional favourites such as nachos and fajitas, as well as unique offerings like avocado fries and a churro cheesecake.
Book a table on Dineplan.
When: Tuesday – Sunday | 12pm – 11pm (Tue – Thu) | 12pm – 12am (Fri & Sat) | 12pm – 9pm (Sun)
Where: 50 Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town
Bascule Bar
Set on the Waterfront marina, this whiskey and cocktail bar is known for its wide selection of drinks, lush decor, intimate conversations, and a curated collection of African art. On First Thursdays, the space hosts live jazz to enhance the vibrant atmosphere, along with a special offer on Martell cognac.
When: First Thursdays | 6pm – 12am
Where: Cape Grace Hotel, W Quay Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Clarke’s
A favourite among First Thursday gallery hoppers, this well-placed restaurant offers all-day breakfast, acclaimed burgers, and one of the most extensive cocktail lists anywhere in the CBD. This month, the space is hosting ‘The Get Down’ – a monthly event made by local DJs blaqkongo and Roz – for an evening of fun-and-loose disco on the dancefloor.
With Clarke’s being on Bree Street near most of the big galleries and nightlife spots, it’s a great stop to sip, snack, and groove while keeping the night alive.
Cost: From R200 per person (Phase 3). Book now on Fixr.
When: First Thursdays | 5pm – 11pm
Where: 133 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre
Culture Wine Bar
Famous among enthusiasts for its curated selection of wines, ranging from sought-after imports to hidden African gems, Culture Wine Bar is a vibrant social space among the Bree Street favourites. It regularly hosts live music bands, livening up the atmosphere with some of the best up-and-coming local musicians.
This month, the First Thursday entertainment comes from local pop artist Hannah Ray, known for her timeless, soulful voice, which shines through in classic covers and her own songs.
Reservations can be made on the website.
When: Thursday, 4 June 2026 | From 7pm
Where: 103 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Surfa Rosa
An edgy dive bar with subliminal punk and surf influences, Surfa Rosa is a little bar with a big personality. The vibe is laid back. The music is loud. Situated at street level on Harrington Street, it opens onto an outdoor smoking patio.
THIS MONTH: Fuzz Nights x Surfa Rosa
For May’s First Thursday lineup, event organiser & DJ collective Fuzz Nights is in charge of the grooves at Surfa Rosa, alongside Mari-Lou, JDR & Motman. Entrance is free.
When: First Thursdays | 8pm – 2am
Where: 61 Harrington St, Cape Town
Fable
Home to Cape Town’s most innovative and immersive cocktail menu, Fable is also known for its variety of live in-house entertainment, ranging from world-class musicians to professional fire eaters. With a lineup of local DJs and a live saxophone player this First Thursday, Fable is perfect for experienced cocktail enthusiasts wanting to try something new, and complete beginners wanting to see what the hype is about.
Bookings can be made on the website.
When: Tuesday – Sunday | 4.30pm – late (Fri – Sun) | 5pm – late (Tue – Thu)
Where: Corner Bree & Wale St, Cape Town City Centre
Vault on Bree
Vault on Bree is a new space at the corner of Bree and Castle Street, where Cape Town’s creative community can gather, share ideas, and grow together. Vault on Bree is a place for artists, designers, brands, and innovators to meet, collaborate, and explore new ways of expression. It’s been thoughtfully designed to encourage conversation, connection, and creativity, with the hope of nurturing a stronger sense of community in the city.
In partnership with Phil Kramer, the sound designer behind the system at One Park, the space includes a listening bar that puts music and atmosphere at its heart. Listening bars are intimate spaces dedicated to high-quality sound, inviting people to slow down, pay attention, and experience music in a deeper, more intentional way.
When: First Thursdays | 6pm till late
Where: c/o Bree and Castle Street, Cape Town City Centre
Everything About Vault on Bree
99 Loop Gallery
The gallery is dedicated to exhibiting contemporary and modern African art, representing a core group of emerging and established artists. These artists are either from the continent or have historic links to the greater African diaspora. Fine art on view includes work on paper, ceramics, photography, painting and sculpture.
Starting on First Thursday this month, the gallery is debuting two new exhibits.
Fluster – Zarah Cassim
This solo exhibition the boundary between constrained and overwhelmed, the unsettled state of being flustered. Done with layers of oil paint, the works create movement and turbulence to echo this sense of “fluster”.
The Queens in a Cup – Robert Hamblin
This series of works by the famous South African artist Robert Hamblin presents a new body of evocative ink creations, many of which depict bodies and plants longing for light.
When: First Thursday | 5pm – 8pm
Where: 99 Loop Street, Cape Town
Ebony/Curated
Since its establishment in 2015, the gallery has continued to support creatives whose practices engage with intimate lived experiences within broader cultural and aesthetic contexts. Loop Editions is an add-on to the gallery and showcases artists’ originals, editions, and collectables in a bright, sunny café space adjacent to the gallery.
ON SHOW: Nothing Has Been Whole For Some Time
Bringing together artists from across the diaspora, this exhibition explores fragmentation, interiority and shifting boundaries of perception through surrealism. The art reflects the feeling of losing the familiar and trying to make sense of what is new. The pieces are vulnerable and exposed, displaying grief as an everyday routine rather than an exception.
When: From 29 April 2026 | First Thurs: 5pm – 9pm
Where: 67 Loop Street, Cape Town City Centre
Mojo Silly Thursdays
Mojo Market’s flagship weekly comedy night features new lineups each time, platforming fresh debutants alongside established, veteran acts.
This week, the lineup is hosted by Kurt Langeveld and includes Liam Whitcher, David Bates, and headliner Jaryd Pillay.
When: First Thursdays | From 7.30pm
Where: 30 Regent Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town
Signature Art Gallery: Art, Live Music and Wine Evening
Signature Art Gallery offers a new art experience for collectors, investors, and general art lovers. The gallery carries art by internationally acclaimed artists as well as reputable local and emerging artists whom we have identified as having great potential, thus presenting a wide range of pricing.
Signature Art Gallery invites guests to an evening of art, music, and community this First Thursdays. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine, connect with fellow art lovers, and listen to live music while viewing a diverse collection of top contemporary artworks.
When: First Thursdays | From 6pm
Where: 14 Long Street, cnr of Riebeek & Long Street, Cape Town
Vela Projects
Founded in 2022 with a pop-up exhibition, Vela Projects now presents a boutique selection of African artists and offers a programme that resonates with global culture and champions the development of artistic careers.
ON SHOW: Iya embovaneni vila ndini – Songezo Zantsi
Following his grandfather’s advice, figurative painter Songezo Zantsi experiments with viewing the world from a different vantage point with this brand-new exhibition. The works explore the world from below, bringing in concepts of earth, light, and shadow.
When: First Thursdays | 5pm – 8pm
Where: 66 Plein Street, Cape Town
Idiots Unplugged Karaoke at Village Idiot
Those with (and without) singing chops can have some fun on the mic with this karaoke experience. All singers get free shots, and the restaurant offers 50% off food, Happy Hour from 6pm to 8pm and a R500 Bar Tab for Songbird Of The Night.
When: First Thursdays | 6pm – 11pm
Where: The Village Idiot, 32 Loop Street, Cape Town
Museum of Gems and Jewellery: Hidden Treasures
The Museum of Gems and Jewellery tells the story of South Africa’s diamonds and precious metals, and how earthly treasures are transformed into precious heirlooms through creativity.
ON SHOW: Hidden Treasures
Discover a world of gemmological and jewellery wonder at the Museum of Gems & Jewellery, housed in the 18th-century Huguenot House. On First Thursdays, explore South Africa’s rich mineral, cultural, and artistic heritage through an intimate, beautifully curated journey spanning 3 billion years.
When: First Thursdays | 5pm – 8pm
Where: 66 Loop Street, Cape Town
Lemkus Gallery
A multi-generational company dating back to 1935, LEMKUS is a space for design and creativity. On the fourth floor is Lemkus Gallery, home of the Residency28 programme.
ON SHOW: Building Drawing Practice & Umsinsi Wokuzimilela – Aaron Philander & Smiso Cele
This month, Lemkus brings together two separate post-residency exhibitions from two very different artists, Aaron Philander & Smiso Cele, focusing on the same themes of familial legacy through bricklaying and gardening, respectively. By exhibiting in the same gallery, guests compare and contrast the two artists’ varying interpretations of what it means to produce labour for the public good.
When: First Thursdays | 6pm – 8pm
Where: 28 St Georges’ Mall, Cape Town City Centre
Leo’s Wine Bar
A staple of the First Thursdays night out, Leo’s Wine Bar is inside a bagel shop on Bree Street. The shop pours low-intervention wines from smaller producers, with a healthy selection of natural wines always available to enjoy.
When: Monday – Saturday | 5pm – 11pm
Where: Leo’s Wine Bar, 120 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre
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